Opinions
West Virginia doesn't need an intermediate court of appeals
CHARLESTON – Like that poison ivy sprout that comes back every spring, legislation to create an Intermediate Appellate Court in West Virginia is back yet again. It’s no more necessary now than it has ever been, and it’s just as noxious as that stubborn poison ivy.
Legislature needs reformation before school reform can happen
CHARLESTON – When Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) calls for reform of our public education system, the place to start is with the West Virginia Legislature itself.
No need to oppose legislation that saves money
If we can save money by passing Senate Bill 318 (to move the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to be under control of the state Attorney General's office) and at the same time protect benefits going to legitimate claimants, let’s do it.
Shock for Republicans: A strike for schools as teachers refuse to sell out students
The Republicans designed Senate Bill 451 as straightforwardly as any protection racket. A 5 percent raise for West Virginia’s educators, inextricably linked to a series of proposals to weaken her public schools. The text of the bill explicitly stated that if any part of its “omnibus” provisions were found unconstitutional or illegal, the raise would be taken away.
Loughry’s legacy will live on in the (Steve) Canterbury Tales
Former state Supreme Court justice is going to prison – and he won’t be lounging on a $32,000 blue suede couch in his cell.
Fewer school districts would mean real education reform
Eliminating the 55 school districts and replacing them with about a dozen would dramatically drop the cost of administration to the point that every teacher could get a raise and the taxpayers would still save money.
Opposition to charter schools doesn't make sense
It is puzzling to us that there could be such great acceptance of public charter schools in New Orleans and such total opposition from the unions and the school boards, including the State School Board, in West Virginia, where our public schools rank near the bottom in achievement.
Insuring cars that don’t exist
Have government employees taken the same cavalier attitude toward state vehicles that some state Supreme Court justices have taken toward furniture and other property belonging to the taxpayers?
Manchin replays catastrophic 2016 governor's race strategy
WHEELING – Way back before the beginning of time, in early 2015, West Virginia began to talk about the Governor’s race. Earl Ray Tomblin was finishing up and the seat would be open.
Preserving the integrity of West Virginia's election system
CHARLESTON – Recently, Texas media reported that approximately 58,000 non-U.S. citizens may have voted in Texas elections. While Texas Secretary of State David Whitley took proactive steps to ensure the integrity of Texas’s elections, reports like this reinforce the overwhelming need to remain vigilant in protecting our elections.
Getting around third-party rules for bigger cash haul
In short, if you want to make a third-party bad-faith claim, just say the third party’s not a third party.
We can tell West Virginia's story the best
While the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce does many things, such as advocating for our membership and promoting opportunities in our region, this position has given me greater insight related to a question that I have asked myself throughout my career — How do we make West Virginia a better place to live, work and thrive?
Innovation is key to transforming education
CHARLESTON – When there is a good idea, a truly viable option to move our state forward, we should work together to transform that idea into a tangible opportunity. The road to progress has fewer bumps when we travel in the same direction. As State Agriculture Commissioner and State Treasurer, we agree that “road to progress” begins with education.
‘Nip it in the bud!’
That’s what Deputy Barney Fife would blurt out on “The Andy Griffith Show” whenever a citizen of Mayberry would step out of line just a bit.
The state Supreme Court gets the message
CHARLESTON – Breaking news: The other day, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Beth Walker and Justices Tim Armstead and Evan Jenkins were having lunch together in the cafeteria in the basement of the state Capitol, and they paid for their own meals!
Protecting your backyard from unlawful regulation
CHARLESTON – As your Attorney General, I have worked hard to keep the regulatory power of the federal government at bay, particularly as it creeps into the everyday lives of West Virginians.
Auditor working to improve practices, transparency
CHARLESTON – While the state Legislature is debating and setting budgets for the coming fiscal year, it’s important for West Virginia citizens to know the State Auditor’s Office has been and continues to implement modern and improved accounting practices to track the spending of your taxpayer dollars.
Let the debate on an intermediate court of appeals continue
This alternative bill codifying the state Supreme Court rule guaranteeing appeals as a matter of right seems like a step in the right direction. Whether or not it obviates the need for an intermediate court, however, is debatable – and should be debated.
Education is the state's greatest responsibility
CHARLESTON – There is no greater responsibility of state government than to provide a thorough education for our children.
Lawmakers have a big to-do list in 2019
As we look ahead, we can’t think too long about the needs and challenges we face in West Virginia without turning our attention to jobs and the economy. Both are critical components to a vibrant state and a prosperous future for our residents.